A BREXIT deal is needed to maintain global security in the face of new and emerging threats, Britain's foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt has told his eastern European counterparts.
Mr Hunt was at the foreign affairs council in Luxembourg ahead of a crunch week in which prime minister Theresa May will be taking her proposal for a deal to the European Council's October summit.
He told the UK's partners that issues such as cyber attacks, chemical weapons, terrorism and migration can only be tackled as a united force following Brexit.
"This is a crucial week both for the UK and our European partners," Mr Hunt said.
"The importance of achieving a Brexit deal that respects the autonomy of the EU and the sovereignty of the UK cannot be overstated.
"And delivering this is vital for our security too because economic relations sit at the heart of all our partnerships, including the vital security alliances we have with our friends in Europe."
Mr Hunt was able to thank eight of his European counterparts on Sunday for their support and collaboration in equipping the EU with a new chemical weapons sanctions regime.
European foreign ministers arrived at Jeremy Hunt's official residence in Chevening in Kent on Sunday, where they were welcomed by the foreign secretary and his daughters.
Representatives from Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania spent the afternoon at the house ahead of meetings at the foreign affairs council in Luxembourg on Monday where chemical weapons sanctions will be formally adopted.
